Reader reviews roundup

Missing pet spiders, haunted houses and gut-wrenching teen fiction are among the topics discussed in your reviews this week!

Can I Come Too? by Brian Patten and Nicola Bayley – review

Zara- 'This book has few words and mostly pictures so is good for pre-school children'

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – quiz

Roald Dahl's legendary story of a boy and his golden ticket is coming to life in a brand new West End musical directed by Sam Mendes. How well-versed are you in all things Charlie and Wonka?

I’m Dougal Trump: Where’s my tarantula? by D Trump – review

Robo: 'This is a book for pet lovers and it has lots of mysteries'

Nine books battle for young readers’ vote in Scottish children’s book awards

With the shortlist for the Scottish children's book awards announced, children have seven months to vote for the authors they want to take home the top prize

The Andersons by Zoe Ward – review

Beth, Millennium RIOT Readers- 'I would recommend this to very young readers who like adventure and mystery stories'

Are children’s books darker than they used to be?

The best children's books have always tackled challenging themes within a wonderful story and today's tales are no different

Reader reviews roundup

We're transporting you to magical lands, ancient manuscripts and fantastic animal adventures in this weeks' roundup!

Double Daisy by Kes Gray – review

Jinan: 'I liked this book because it's very funny'

Superkid by Claire Freedman and Sarah McIntyre – review

Zara- 'My 7 year old brother also picked it up because the front cover is right up his street, he loved it too'

Claude in the Spotlight by Alex T Smith – review

Prince Caspian: 'I think boys and girls will like this book (even though it is very pink)'

How we made: Horrid Henry

Author Francesca Simon and illustrator Tony Ross describe how their mischievous, much-loved characters give children the thrill of being bad – without the consequences